Cecil Wright LeFevre

Cecil Wright LeFevre, a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, and friend, died peacefully in the presence of his family on October 13, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born on August 10, 1931, in Minersville, Utah as the first of eight children to Darrel LeFevre and Gladys Woodward LeFevre. He is survived by his wife, Judith Marsh LeFevre and five of his six children: Darrel, Michael (Melodie), Julie, Kathy (Burt) Barnard, and Amy—and his niece Verna (Vi), who he called his “little daughter.” He is preceded in death by his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Karin. He is also survived by three sisters, twelve grandchildren and their spouses and six great-grandchildren. 

 Cecil married Judy on August 20, 1959, in the Salt Lake City, Utah temple. Cecil loved his Savior and served Him as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. Cecil was an example of life-long learning and intellectual curiosity. He graduated from Utah State University with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees where he majored in agronomy and minored in botany and chemistry, and from Penn State University with a Ph.D. in agronomy and a minor in biochemistry. He served as a First Lieutenant Reserve Commissioned Officer in the US Army. 

 He served a full-time mission in the Central States Mission, as the district mission president in State College Pennsylvania and a stake mission in Anaheim, California. He served as an MIA superintendent for eight years and faithfully served in many other callings. He loved the gospel and shared his testimony often.  Cecil worked as an assistant professor at Virginia Tech in Plant Pathology and Physiology and at US Borax as a research scientist. While at U.S. Borax, he was either the first or co-inventor of 21 patented inventions. He has also published over 11 publications. He later worked at Ritewood Eggs as an electrician. 

 As a Boy Scout and BSA leader for over six decades, he earned the Explorer Ranger award, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver award. As a scouter and in life, he was always willing to help others and “do a good turn daily.” He also earned the Preston City Lamplighter award. One of his great joys was going on adventures with his children and grandchildren. They remember hundreds of hiking trips, field trips, and nights under the stars and around the campfire. He loved being a part of their lives and encouraging them.

 He finally retired at the age of 84 and then loved gardening, family history, creative cooking, romantic movies, serving in the temple, scientific research, bringing roses he cultivated to his wife Judy at the nearby nursing home and playing weekly bingo there with her. Cecil was cared for by his daughter Julie for many years. He loved his scouts, friends, and family who also all blessed his life. We would also like to thank the many healthcare workers, such as those at Logan Regional Hospital, who helped him. We miss you Cecil--until we meet again--but we know you are doing important work in the “promised land.” 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Preston Third Ward Chapel, 155 N. 200 W. Preston, ID. Viewings will be held Friday, October 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 pm both at the church.  Interment will be at the Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Idaho. Memories and condolences may shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.